the speed with which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the speed with which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the rate at which something occurs or is done, often in a formal context. Example: "The speed with which technology evolves is astonishing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The speed with which the post-Sept.

The New York Times

These factors control the speed with which the network learns.

Cornell University

You have to change the speed with which you play.

The Guardian - Sport

The speed with which some still become managers is alarming.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The speed with which things changed after that is astonishing.

The Guardian

The speed with which he made the change was deliberate.

The Guardian

The speed with which Joe got diagnosed felt unrealistic.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The speed with which the brain processed information slowed down.

The New York Times - Magazine

The speed with which this is being done is striking.

The New York Times

The new analysis is also noteworthy for the speed with which it was performed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Skeptics wonder whether it will all be enough, given the speed with which technology is moving.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using “the speed with which” consider if a simpler, more direct phrasing like "how quickly" or "rapidly" would be clearer and more impactful for your audience. Formal writing often benefits from the nuance of this phrase, while informal contexts may prefer the directness of shorter alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "the speed with which" in contexts where simpler language would suffice. Overusing formal phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear. Prefer direct language unless the formality truly enhances the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the speed with which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, emphasizing the rapidity or swiftness of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It introduces a description of how quickly something occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the speed with which" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the quickness of an occurrence, predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its role in drawing attention to the pace of events. While alternatives like "how quickly" exist, "the speed with which" maintains a formal tone suitable for professional and educated audiences. Its frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the swiftness with which

Emphasizes the rapid nature, replacing "speed" with a synonym that conveys a sense of immediate action.

the rate at which

Replaces "speed" with "rate", focusing on a measured quantity rather than just quickness.

the rapidity with which

Similar to "swiftness", but with a focus on the accelerated manner of the event.

the pace at which

Substitutes "speed" with "pace", suggesting a more deliberate or consistent movement.

the celerity with which

Replaces "speed" with a more formal term, "celerity", highlighting the quickness and swiftness.

the velocity at which

Replaces "speed" to velocity, mostly used when physics or science context is given

the promptness with which

Focuses on the immediacy and lack of delay in the occurrence.

how quickly

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct adverbial construction, losing some of the formal tone.

the expeditiousness with which

Replaces the word speed with a formal word expeditiousness. Meaning is the same. Is a valid synonym but is less used

the alacrity with which

Replaces "speed" with "alacrity", emphasizing eagerness and promptness in addition to speed.

FAQs

How can I use "the speed with which" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe how fast something happens, often highlighting surprise or significance. For example: "The speed with which the company adapted to the new market demands was remarkable."

What are some alternatives to "the speed with which"?

Alternatives include "how quickly", "the rate at which", or "the pace at which" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the speed with which" formal or informal?

This phrase tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrasing like "how fast" or "quickly" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the speed with which" and "the rate at which"?

"The speed with which" often implies a sense of surprise or impact due to the quickness. "The rate at which" ("the rate at which") is more neutral, simply indicating a measured quantity of change over time.